Pole-mounted vehicle sensor

ABSTRACT

Devices and meters comprising: a housing configured to mount to a pole supporting an existing meter, the housing defining an interior; a sensor within the interior of the housing, the sensor configured to collect environmental information pertaining to the local external environment of the existing meter; a wireless radio within the interior of the housing, the wireless radio configured to transmit the environmental information to the existing meter or to a remote server in communication with the existing meter; a power unit within the interior of the housing, the power unit supplying power to the sensor and the wireless radio.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No.62/301,302, filed Feb. 29, 2016, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sensors collecting environmental information and wireless communicationcapabilities improve the functionality of street parking meters. Parkingmeters including such technologies are able to offer higher levels ofservice to both consumers and municipalities. Parking meters withsensors collecting environmental information and wireless communicationcapabilities also offer enhanced ability to accommodate refined schemesof rates and time limits. Current practices adopted for replacingexisting parking meters with technologically advanced upgraded versionsinvolve labor intensive and expensive steps, such as coring of theasphalt surface of a street or sidewalk, replacement of all the internalcomponents of an existing meter, or complete removal of an existingmeter and installation of a new meter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a fast and convenient upgrade procedureto add environmental information collecting capability to an existingparking meter by requiring only the simple step of installing a newdevice, which comprises a sensor, onto an existing meter. In someembodiments, the housing of the device described herein is mounted to apole supporting an existing meter, the housing defining an interior. Inother embodiments, the housing of the device encloses a sensor, awireless radio and a power unit. In further embodiments, the sensorcollects environmental information pertaining to the local externalenvironment of the existing meter. In some embodiments, the devicedescribed herein contains a wireless radio which transmits theenvironmental information collected by the sensor to the existing meter.In other embodiments, the wireless radio transmits the environmentalinformation collected by the sensor to a remote server in communicationwith the existing meter. In some embodiments, the devices describedherein are self-contained, having an independent power source andcommunications element. In further embodiments, the devices describedherein do not require an electrical connection to an existing meter. Forexample, in some embodiments, the device is physically associated withan existing meter and optionally in wireless communication with theexisting parking meter mechanism, but does not require a functional,wired, electrical connection to any component of the existing meter.This feature facilitates rapid, low-cost upgrades, reduces operating andmaintenance costs, and results in a more modular system that is easierto upgrade further in the future.

The devices described herein are compatible with, and can be retrofittedto, a wide range of existing meters. Further, the devices are designedsuch that the internal components, e.g., sensor, wireless radiotransmitter, RF tag reader, solar cell battery, etc. are not visible atall from the outside, thereby protecting the parking meter againstpossible acts of vandalism. Parking meters fitted with the devicesdescribed herein can be serviced easily.

In some embodiments, the existing meter is a parking meter. In otherembodiments, the sensor is a vehicle sensor. In some embodiments, theparking meter is a single space parking meter. In other embodiments, theparking meter is a multi-space parking meter.

In some embodiments, the environmental information comprises thepresence and/or movement of a vehicle in a parking space associated withthe existing meter. In other embodiments, the device comprises ahousing. In further embodiments, the device comprises components neededto wirelessly engage with a unique RF tag that is affixed to theexisting meter. In such embodiments, the device optionally obtains aunique location-specific identifier from the RF tag and transmits theidentifier to a remote server where configuration information pertainingto local environments is collected and stored. In this way, the devicesdescribed herein provide a streamlined upgrade process whereby thehousing of the device is mounted to a pole supporting an existing meter.The device obtains the associated identifier, and uses the identifier torequest its intended configuration information and operating parametersfrom a remote server. In various embodiments, the remote server is aremote database hosted on a cloud system. In further embodiments, thedevice optionally obtains a unique location-specific identifier from theRF tag directly as a means to identify its location.

In one aspect, disclosed herein are devices comprising: a housingconfigured to mount to a pole supporting an existing meter, the housingdefining an interior; a sensor within the interior of the housing, thesensor configured to collect environmental information pertaining to thelocal external environment of the existing meter; a wireless radiowithin the interior of the housing, the wireless radio configured totransmit the environmental information to the existing meter or to aremote server in communication with the existing meter; and a power unitwithin the interior of the housing, the power unit supplying power tothe sensor and the wireless radio. In some embodiments, the existingmeter is a parking meter and the sensor is a vehicle sensor. In furtherembodiments, the parking meter is a single space parking meter or amulti-space parking meter. In some embodiments, the environmentalinformation comprises the presence and/or movement of a vehicle in aparking space associated with the existing meter. In some embodiments,the sensor utilizes radar, infrared light or ultrasonic waves. In aparticular embodiment, the sensor is a radar. In further embodiments,the housing of the device comprises a material that is at leastpartially radar transparent. In various embodiments, the housing of thedevice comprises material that allows sunlight to pass through to asolar panel. In still further embodiments, the housing of the devicecomprises polycarbonate, ABS, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the sensor is mounted on a gimbal to facilitate positioningthe sensor. In some embodiments, the radio is a wireless radio utilizesISM-band, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee. In some embodiments, the devicefurther comprises an RF reader located within the interior of thehousing of the device and configured to receive a meter identification,a meter location, or a combination thereof, from a wireless tagassociated with the existing meter. In other embodiments, the devicecomprises an RF reader within the interior of the housing of the deviceand is configured to receive a meter identification, a meter location,or a combination thereof, through a wired connection to the meter. Infurther embodiments, the wireless radio is further configured totransmit the meter identification in association with the environmentalinformation. In some embodiments, the device is operationallyself-sufficient, the sensor, the wireless radio, and the power unitbeing not electrically connected to the existing meter. In someembodiments, the device comprises a plurality of sensors within theinterior of the housing. In further embodiments, at least one sensor isa camera. In some embodiments, the power unit comprises at least onerechargeable battery. In further embodiments, the device comprises atleast one solar cell to recharge the at least one rechargeable battery.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are meters comprising: a pole; ameter device supported by the pole; a device comprising a housingdefining an interior, the device configured to mount to the pole; asensor within the interior of the housing, the sensor configured tocollect environmental information pertaining to the local externalenvironment of the meter; a wireless radio within the interior of thehousing, the wireless radio configured to transmit the environmentalinformation to the meter device or to a remote server in communicationwith the meter device; and a power unit within the interior of thehousing, the power unit supplying power to the sensor and the wirelessradio. In some embodiments, the meter is a parking meter and the sensoris a vehicle sensor. In other embodiments, the environmental informationcomprises the presence and/or movement of a vehicle in a parking spaceassociated with the meter. In some embodiments, parking meter is asingle space parking meter. In other embodiments, parking meter is amulti-space parking meter. In some embodiment, the sensor is a radar. Infurther embodiments, the housing of the device comprises a material thatis at least partially radar transparent. In still further embodiments,the housing of the device comprises polycarbonate, ABS, or a combinationthereof. In even further embodiments, the housing of the devicecomprises paint or shielding to further optimize RF signal detection,transmission, and reception. In some embodiments, the sensor is mountedon a gimbal to facilitate positioning the sensor. In some embodiments,the radio is a wireless radio utilizes ISM-band, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, orZigBee. In some embodiments, the device further comprises an RF readerwithin the housing of the device and configured to receive a meteridentification, a meter location, or a combination thereof, from awireless tag associated with the meter device. In further embodiments,the wireless radio is further configured to transmit the meteridentification in association with the environmental information. Insome embodiments, the device is operationally self-sufficient, thesensor, the wireless radio, and the power unit being not electricallyconnected to the meter device. In various embodiments, the operationallyself-sufficient device is able to wirelessly communicate with a remoteserver independent of the meter device. In some embodiments, the devicecomprises a plurality of sensors within the interior of the housing. Infurther embodiments, at least one sensor is a camera. In someembodiments, the power unit comprises at least one rechargeable batter.In further embodiments, the device comprises at least one solar cell torecharge the at least one rechargeable battery. In even furtherembodiments, the wireless radio transmitter can be used to communicatedirectly to a database, a user, an enforcement officer, or a maintenancetechnician. For example, the wireless radio can communicate informationto a handheld device, e.g., a cellular device or its equivalent, totransmit various types of enforcement data (e.g., meter identification,meter location, vehicle identification, license plate information,vehicle registration information, citation history, data indicatingissuance of a citation, data related to the type of citation issued,etc.) to parking enforcement personnel.

In another aspect, disclosed herein are methods of upgrading a metercomprising: affixing a device to a pole supporting an existing meter;provided that the device comprises: a housing defining an interior; asensor within the interior of the housing, the sensor configured tocollect environmental information pertaining to the local externalenvironment of the exiting meter; a wireless radio within the interiorof the housing, the wireless radio configured to transmit theenvironmental information to the exiting meter or to a remote server incommunication with the exiting meter; an RF reader within the interiorof the housing, the RF reader configured to receive a meteridentification from a wireless tag associated with the existing meter,the wireless radio further configured to transmit the meteridentification in association with the environmental information; and apower unit within the interior of the housing, the power unit supplyingpower to the sensor, the wireless radio, and the RF reader; whereby themeter is upgraded. In some embodiments, the existing meter is notaltered or replaced. In other embodiments, the existing meter is aparking meter, the sensor is a vehicle sensor, and the environmentalinformation comprises the presence and/or movement of a vehicle in aparking space associated with the existing meter. In furtherembodiments, the sensor is a radar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of a device described herein; inthis case, a top front perspective view of an exemplary device mountedon a pole;

FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of a device described herein; inthis case, a front view of an exemplary device mounted on a pole;

FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of a device described herein; inthis case, a rear view of an exemplary device mounted on a pole;

FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting example of a device described herein; inthis case, a left side view of an exemplary device mounted on a pole;

FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting example of a device described herein; inthis case, a right side view of an exemplary device mounted on a pole;

FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of a device described herein; inthis case, a top view of an exemplary device mounted on a pole;

FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of a device described herein; inthis case, a bottom view of an exemplary device mounted on a pole;

FIG. 8 shows a functional block diagram of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows a non-limiting example of a meter described herein; in thiscase, a top front perspective view of an exemplary meter that comprisesa meter device, a device and a pole; and

FIG. 10 shows a functional block diagram of the meter of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Traditional street parking meters are in the process of being phased outand replaced by meters that are enabled to accept modern methods ofpayments, e.g., credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, pay-by-phone,etc. Replacement and installation of an entirely new unit is costly forcities, municipalities, or other authorities in charge of street parkingmeters, thereby causing eventual increase in parking rates to recoverthe cost of purchase and installation. Moreover, replacement andinstallation of an entirely new unit creates electronic waste. Thedevice described in the present invention, offers a cost effective andenvironmentally-friendly solution to the problem. The housing of thedevice of the present invention can be easily fitted to mount to thepoles supporting existing street parking meters, even those parkingmeters that have previously been upgraded by replacing the internalmeter mechanism. In contrast, installations of sensors in existingstreet meters typically involve excessive road work, drilling, andinfrastructure modifications on street lights, utility poles, andunderground wiring. The addition of the device described herein toexisting parking meters by mounting the housing of the device to thepoles of existing parking meters reduces waste, is easier to install,and is less expensive to maintain.

In certain embodiments, the device of the present invention iscompletely solar powered. Street parking meters that are upgraded usinga solar powered device described herein do not need batteries tooperate. This feature reduces the potential hike in operating cost ofthe street parking meters that are upgraded with the device describedherein. In other embodiments, the sensor within the interior of thehousing of the device is completely battery powered, completely wirepowered, and/or optionally solar powered.

In certain embodiments, the housing of the device of the presentinvention defines an interior. The interior of the housing is equippedwith one or more sensors configured to collect environmental informationpertaining to the local external environment of the existing parkingmeter, and a wireless radio transmitter configured to transmit thecollected environmental information either to the existing parking meteror to a remote server in communication with the existing parking meter.In certain embodiments, a sensor detects vehicles within the localenvironment of the parking meter on which the housing is mounted. Incertain embodiments, a wireless radio transmitter communicates, directlyor indirectly, with a remote management or maintenance server. Incertain embodiments, the interior of the housing is also equipped withan RF tag reader. The RF tag reader can be used to read a wireless RFtag located on the base of an existing parking meter, and acquireinformation regarding the local environment. Information about the localenvironment can then be communicated, via a wireless radio transmitter,also housed within the housing, to a remote management or maintenanceserver. This allows immediate communication between the upgraded parkingmeter and the remote maintenance or management server. In this way, thehousing of the device containing the sensor, RF tag reader, and wirelessradio transmitter can communicate with a remote management ormaintenance server and configure itself directly, independent of thedevice.

Described herein, in certain embodiments, are devices comprising: adevice configured to mount to a pole supporting an existing meter, thehousing of the device engageable with the pole of the existing meterdefining an interior; a sensor within the interior of the housing, thesensor configured to collect environmental information pertaining to thelocal external environment of the existing meter; a wireless radiowithin the interior of the housing, the wireless radio configured totransmit the environmental information to the existing meter or to aremote server in communication with the existing meter; and a power unitwithin the interior of the housing, the power unit supplying power tothe sensor and the wireless radio.

Also described herein, in certain embodiments, are meters comprising: apole; a meter device supported by the pole; a device comprising ahousing defining an interior, the device configured to mount to thepole; a sensor within the interior of the housing, the sensor configuredto collect environmental information pertaining to the local externalenvironment of the meter; a wireless radio within the interior of thehousing, the wireless radio configured to transmit the environmentalinformation to the meter device or to a remote server in communicationwith the meter device; and a power unit within the interior of thehousing, the power unit supplying power to the sensor and the wirelessradio.

Also described herein, in certain embodiments, are methods of upgradinga meter comprising: affixing a device to a pole supporting an existingmeter; provided that the device comprises: a housing defining aninterior; a sensor within the interior of the housing, the sensorconfigured to collect environmental information pertaining to the localexternal environment of the exiting meter; a wireless radio within theinterior of the housing, the wireless radio configured to transmit theenvironmental information to the exiting meter or to a remote server incommunication with the exiting meter; an RF reader within the interiorof the housing, the RF reader configured to receive a meteridentification from a wireless tag associated with the existing meter,the wireless radio further configured to transmit the meteridentification in association with the environmental information; and apower unit within the interior of the housing, the power unit supplyingpower to the sensor, the wireless radio, and the RF reader; whereby themeter is upgraded.

The components of the device and methods for carrying out meter upgradeusing the device are described in detail in the subsequent sections.

Certain Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich this invention belongs. As used in this specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any referenceto “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwisestated.

Device Housing

In certain embodiments, existing parking meters are fitted with a device100 of the present invention. The housing 110 of the device 100 isconfigured to mount to a pole 90 of an existing meter. The housing 110of the device 100 comprises a screen 160. The screen 160 may be adisplay screen or a solar panel. If the device 100 comprises both adisplay screen and a solar panel, two screens 160 are allowed on thehousing 110. The location of the screen 160 can be determined based onthe use of the screen 160. The device 100 further comprises a sensor130, a wireless radio 140 and a power unit 150, all of which areenclosed in the interior of the housing 110. The sensor 130 may bestationary or may change its orientation or direction within theinterior of the housing 110.

In some embodiments, the housing of the device is at least partiallymade of a strong material that is resistant to theft, weather, andvandalism. Examples of materials suitable for housings include variousmetals, such as stainless steel, and the like. In further embodiments,the housing of the device is at least partially made of a material thatis at least partially transparent to radar, ultrasonic, infrared, ormicrowaves. Examples of transparent materials for housings includepolycarbonate, ABS, or combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a particular embodiment, a device 100 of thepresent invention, shown in a perspective view, comprises a housing 110which is configured to mount to a pole 90 supporting an existing meter.It should be noted that the pole 90 is shown in FIG. 1 as dotted linesto indicate that the pole 90, in some embodiments, is not part of thedevice 100 of the present invention. The interior of the housing 110optionally houses components comprising environmental sensors,batteries, RFID tag readers, wireless radio transmitters, or acombination thereof. The housing 110 optionally has a solar panel. Thehousing 110 further comprises a screen 160. In one embodiment, thescreen 160 is a display screen. In another embodiment, the screen 160 isa solar panel. The housing 110 may comprise more than one screen 160.

Turning now to FIG. 2, in another embodiment, a device 100 of thepresent invention, shown in a front view, comprises a housing 110 whichis configured to mount to a pole 90 supporting an existing meter. Theinterior of the housing 110 optionally houses components comprisingenvironmental sensors, batteries, RFID tag readers, wireless radiotransmitters, or a combination thereof. The housing 110 optionally has asolar panel. The housing 110 further comprises a screen 160. In oneembodiment, the screen 160 is a display screen. In another embodiment,the screen 160 is a solar panel. In still another embodiment, the screen160 is a touchscreen to allow input of information by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in a particular embodiment, a device 100 of thepresent invention, shown in a back view, comprises a housing 110 whichis configured to mount to a pole 90 supporting an existing meter. Theinterior of the housing 110 optionally houses components comprisingenvironmental sensors, batteries, RFID tag readers, wireless radiotransmitters, or a combination thereof. The housing 110 optionally has asolar panel.

Turning now to FIG. 4, in another embodiment, a device 100 of thepresent invention, shown in a left view, comprises a housing 110 whichis configured to mount to a pole 90 supporting an existing meter. Theinterior of the housing 110 optionally houses components comprisingenvironmental sensors, batteries, RFID tag readers, wireless radiotransmitters, or a combination thereof. The housing 110 optionally has asolar panel.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in a particular embodiment, a device 100 of thepresent invention, shown in a right view, comprises a housing 110 whichis configured to mount to a pole 90 supporting an existing meter. Theinterior of the housing 110 optionally houses components comprisingenvironmental sensors, batteries, RFID tag readers, wireless radiotransmitters, or a combination thereof. The housing 110 optionally has asolar panel.

Turning now to FIG. 6, in another embodiment, a device 100 of thepresent invention, shown in a top view, comprises a housing 110 which isconfigured to mount to a pole 90 supporting an existing meter. Theinterior of the housing 110 optionally houses components comprisingenvironmental sensors, batteries, RFID tag readers, wireless radiotransmitters, or a combination thereof. The housing 110 optionally has asolar panel. The housing 110 further comprises a screen 160. In oneembodiment, the screen 160 is a display screen. In another embodiment,the screen 160 is a solar panel. In still another embodiment, the screen160 is a touchscreen to allow input of information by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in a particular embodiment, a device 100 of thepresent invention, shown in a bottom view, comprises a housing 110 whichis configured to mount to a pole 90 supporting an existing meter. Theinterior of the housing 110 optionally houses components comprisingenvironmental sensors, batteries, RFID tag readers, wireless radiotransmitters, or a combination thereof. The housing 110 optionally has asolar panel. The housing 110 further comprises a screen 160. In oneembodiment, the screen 160 is a display screen. In another embodiment,the screen 160 is a solar panel. In still another embodiment, the screen160 is a touchscreen to allow input of information by the user. Inaddition, the housing 110 optionally has a plurality of button for theuser to input information or select choices display on screen 160.

Referring to FIG. 8, in a particular embodiment, the functional blockdiagram of a device 100 that can be used in FIGS. 1-7 is shown. Thedevice 100 includes a housing 110 which encloses a sensor 130, awireless radio 140 and a power unit 150. The power unit 150 powers boththe sensor 130 and the wireless radio 140. The housing 110 is configuredto engage and lock into a variety of different meter poles.

Tuning now to FIGS. 9-10, in a particular embodiment, a meter 1000 ofthe present invention comprises a meter device 400 supported by a pole300, and a device 200 mounted to the pole 300. The device 200 comprisesa housing 210 which is configured to mount to a pole 300 supporting themeter device 400. The interior of the housing 210 optionally housescomponents comprising environmental sensors, batteries, RFID tagreaders, wireless radio transmitters, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the housing 210 comprises one or more radio-transparentand/or radar transparent surfaces. In some embodiments, the housing 210comprises a solar panel 260. In some embodiments, the housing 210comprises one solar panel. In other embodiments, the housing 210comprises a plurality of solar panels, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ormore solar panels. In some embodiments, the housing 210 comprises adisplay screen to communicate messages to, for example, parkingenforcement officers, maintenance workers, and/or consumers. In someembodiments, the device 200 is not wired to the meter device 400. Infurther embodiments, the device 200 communicates wirelessly with themeter device 400 via an RFID tag reader or a wireless radio transmitterenclosed in the housing 210. Such an arrangement allows upgrade of anexisting meter without alteration, or even accessing, the meter itself.In other embodiments, the device 200 is wired to the meter device 400.

Referring to FIG. 10, in a particular embodiment, the functional blockdiagram of a meter 1000 that can be used in FIG. 9 is shown. The meter1000 comprises a meter device 400 and a device 200. The device 200includes a housing 210 which encloses a sensor 230, a wireless radio 240and a power unit 250. In one embodiment, the device 200 is wired to themeter device 400 and communicates with the meter device 400 using thewired connections. In another embodiment, the device 200 is not wired tothe meter device 400 and the device 200 communicates wirelessly with themeter device 400 via the wireless radio 240 or an RFID tag readerenclosed in the housing 210. The power unit 250 powers both the sensor230 and the wireless radio 240. Both the meter device 400 and thehousing 210 are configured to engage a pole 300. In some embodiments,the device is configured to reversibly engage the pole at about thelevel of a vehicle in the associated parking space.

Sensors

In certain embodiments, the housing of the device encloses one or moresensors. In some embodiments, the sensor is an environmental sensor. Invarious embodiments, the housing of the device suitably encloses 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more environmental sensors. In someembodiments, a suitable environmental sensor is any sensor that iscapable of emitting a signal and detecting the signal when it isreflected back from the surface of a vehicle that moves into a singleparking space or multiple parking spaces situated to the left and rightof the parking meter. Examples of suitable environmental sensorsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, radar, low power/broadspectrum radar, time of flight sensors, ranging sensors, magneticsensors, magnetic-flux sensors, non-intrusive sensors, capacitancesensors, proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors,microwave sensors, and the like. In other embodiments, the environmentalsensor is a mass sensor, e.g., a magnetometer. In some embodiments, theenvironmental sensor detects the presence of a Bluetooth device,including a cell phone and smart phone. In a particular embodiment, thesensor is a vehicle sensor.

In some embodiments, a suitable environmental sensor is any sensor thatis capable of making a qualitative assessment or a quantitativemeasurement of a physical or chemical aspect of the area immediatelysurrounding the meter. Examples of suitable environmental sensorsinclude, by way of non-limiting examples, those that detect or measureatmospheric pressure, humidity, wind speed, wind direction,precipitation, flooding, seismic activity, light, UV index, and/ortemperature. In other embodiments, the environmental sensor detectssound, chemicals, including gaseous chemicals or liquid chemicals orsolid chemicals, or images. In some embodiments, the environmentalsensor transmits information, such as detected chemicals, via a wirelessradio of the device. In some embodiments, the environmental sensor iswirelessly connected to a network in order to communicate detection datato one or more remote servers or to a cloud computing system or service,to receive instructions or commands, and to send out instructions orcommands. In other embodiments, the environmental sensor is self-poweredby a battery. In some embodiments, the environmental sensor iswirelessly charged. In other embodiments, the environmental sensor iswired to and powered by a power source. In some embodiments, theenvironmental sensor has a wired connection to an external power source,such as a powered DC or a powered meter mounted above, below or besidesthe environmental sensor. In some embodiments, the environmental sensorreads an RFID tag. In other embodiments, then the environmental sensorreads an RFID tag, the environmental sensor determines configurationinformation associated with the sensor and recalibrates itselfaccordingly. In some embodiments, the configuration informationassociated with the environmental sensor includes operation parametersaffecting the operation of the environmental sensor, maintenance recordof the environmental sensor, and record of data reporting, etc.

Further examples of suitable environmental sensors include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, those that detect or measure air particulates,air pollution, and/or water pollution. In various embodiments, suitableair pollution sensors include those that detect or measure pathogens,sulfur oxides (SO_(x)), nitrogen oxides (NO_(x)), greenhouse gases,carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, volatile organiccompounds (VOCs), toxic metals (such as lead and mercury),chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), ammonia (NH₃), ground level ozone (O₃),and/or peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). In various embodiments, suitablewater pollution sensors include those that detect or measure detergents,insecticides, pathogens, hydrocarbons, VOCs, chlorinated solvents,perchlorate, fertilizers, and heavy metals.

Further examples of suitable environmental sensors include, by way ofnon-limiting examples, those that detect or measure chemical agents,biological agents, natural gas, radiation, and/or electromagneticenergy. In a particular embodiment, at least one sensor is a camera. Infurther particular embodiments, a camera images one or more parkingspaces associated with the meter. Further examples of suitableenvironmental sensors include, by way of non-limiting examples, thosethat detect or measure sound.

In some embodiments, sensors in device housings are installed on aplurality of meters throughout a municipality. In further embodiments,the sensor-enabled meters have communication capability and form asensor network by transmitting environmental information from a range ofterritory within the municipality to a central management server. Byforming a sensor network, the upgraded meters allow officials of themunicipality to monitor the environment on an ongoing basis or in anemergency. By way of example, a sensor network is optionally used tomonitor point sources of air pollution within the municipality on acontinual basis. By way of further example, a sensor network isoptionally used to monitor spread of radiation within the municipalityduring an act of war or terrorism. By way of further example, a sensornetwork is optionally used to determine the location of gunshots firedwithin a municipality. By way of further example, a sensor network isoptionally used to monitor flooding within the municipality in anextreme weather event.

In certain embodiments, an environmental sensor is housed within eitherthe left side or the right of, either the top portion or the lowerportion of, either the front or the back of the housing of the devicewhen the device is facing the user or the parking space associated withthe parking meter. In certain embodiments, the sensor is mounted on apivoted support that allows the rotation of an object about a singleaxis, e.g., a gimbal. This feature facilitates the positioning of thesensor in multiple angles, depending on the relative position of theparking meter and the one or more parking spaces that the meter isintended to monitor. In some embodiments, the sensor is adjustablehorizontally (angle) and/or vertically (tilt). In some embodiments, whenmore than one sensor is enclosed within the housing of the device, thesensors can move in sync with each other, in the same direction ororientation. In other embodiments, when more than one sensor is enclosedwithin the housing of the device, a sensor can move independently withregard to another sensor.

Wireless Radio

In some embodiments, the housing of the device does not include awireless radio transmitter/receiver, but rather communicates (via wiredor wireless connection) with the meter device, which does include awireless radio transmitter/receiver. In such embodiments, the housing ofthe device utilizes the wireless radio of the meter device forlonger-range communication. In some embodiments, the wireless radiocommunicates with a meter above, below, or beside the device comprisingthe wireless radio. In other embodiments, the wireless radio is wired toand connected with a meter above, below, or besides the devicecomprising the wireless radio. In some embodiments, the wireless radiodetects signals from other wireless device nearby, such as, for example,a Bluetooth device held by an officer, and communicates with thedetected wireless device when authorized. In some embodiments, when adangerous level of a chemical is detected by the environmental sensor ofthe device, the wireless radio can search for and detect a wirelessdevice, such as, for example, a Bluetooth device held by a parkingenforcement officer or a police officer on patrol, and send energyinformation to the Bluetooth device to alert the authority. In otherembodiments, a wireless device, such as, for example, a Bluetooth deviceheld by a parking enforcement officer or a police officer on patrol, cansend emergency information, such as a fire alert, to the wireless radioof the device. After receiving such emergency information, the devicecan display received information on a display screen of the device toalert user of the device of the emergency.

In some embodiments, the housing of the device encloses a wireless radiotransmitter/receiver. The wireless radio can be any equipment known inthe art that is capable of receiving and/or transmitting radio waves,using any methods. For example, the wireless radio transmitter andreceiver can be any equipment that can transmit and receive radio wavesin any known fashion using any known data protocol, many of which arewell known in the art, without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

The wireless radio transmitter suitably utilizes ISM band, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, ZigBee, iBeacon, cellular (e.g., GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 2G, 2.5G,3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), IEEE 802.15, WiMAX, or the like, to transmitinformation. The wireless radio transmitter is optionally used tocommunicate information collected from, for example, one or moresensors, the meter mechanism, or one or more RFID tags, to a remoteserver. The wireless radio transmitter is also optionally used tocommunicate internal information such as maintenance and error reportingmessages, to one or more remote servers or a cloud computing system. Thewireless radio transmitter is optionally used to communicate informationto the meter mechanism, to one or more RFID tags (including memory)associated with the meter, to one or more remote servers, to a cloudcomputing system, to one or more parking enforcement officers, and/or toa meter maintenance technician.

In some embodiments, the wireless radio communicates to the meter or aremote server by relaying information through another object. Forexample, the object is, by way of non-limiting examples, another meterdevice, a vehicle, a consumer device, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, acamera, a computer, a laptop, an electronic notepad, or a PDA. Invarious embodiments, the wireless radio communicates directly to adatabase, a user, an enforcement officer, or a maintenance technician.

RF Tag-Based Configuration and Binding

In some embodiments, an RFID reader is within the interior of thehousing of the device. In some embodiments, the electronic componentswithin the housing of the device obtain configuration information byreading an RFID tag associated with an existing meter or a meter deviceto obtain a unique ID, which is associated with a unique physicallocation in a remote database.

In some embodiments, the device, while comprising an RFID reader, willread an RFID tag associated with the meter or meter device to obtain aunique ID and use the ID to determine if the meter location isconfigured in the database to have a sensor. In further embodiments, ifthe meter location is configured in the database to have a sensor, thehousing of the device downloads configuration information from a remotemanagement system. This enables the housing of the device and sensorwithin to be changed and update automatically to communicate wirelesslywith the exiting meter or the meter device in place.

In other embodiments, the housing of the device does not include an RFIDreader, but rather the electronic components within the housing of thedevice communicate via wired or wireless connection to the meter devicewhich does include an RFID reader. In such embodiments, the RFID readerof the meter device reads an RFID tag associated with the meter toobtain a unique ID, which is associated with a unique physical locationin a remote database, and passes that information on to the housing ofthe device.

In further embodiments, the meter device, including an RFID reader, willread an RFID tag associated with the meter to obtain a unique ID and usethe ID to determine if the meter location is configured in the databaseto have a sensor. In further embodiments, if the meter location isconfigured in the database to have a sensor, the meter device downloadsfrom a remote management system a binding code enabling the meter towirelessly connect to, and wirelessly communicate with that sensor. Thisenables the meter mechanism to be changed and update automatically tocommunicate wirelessly with the sensor in place.

In some embodiments, sensor configurable parameters, testing, andfeedback information are optionally displayed on the meter display or ona wireless handheld device of a user (smart phone, smart watch, etc.).The parameters, testing, and feedback information is useful used duringinitial setup and diagnostics. In fact, when the sensor detects avehicle, in some embodiments, the sensor triggers an icon or othervisual indicator to appear on the meter display in order to confirm thatit is detecting properly.

Power Unit

In some embodiments, one or more power units are within the interior ofthe housing. The power unit can be any device that is capable ofsupplying power for operating the electronic components within thehousing of the device. Suitable power units include rechargeable ornon-rechargeable batteries, capacitors, ultracapacitors, and the like,including combinations thereof. In various embodiments, suitablebatteries include primary batteries, secondary batteries, wet cellbatteries, dry cell batteries, reserve batteries, including combinationsthereof. In further various embodiments, suitable batteries include,lithium, Li-ion rechargeable, alkaline, carbon-zinc, Li-FeS₂, NiMH,NiCd, NiOOH, including combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are powered solely bybatteries.

In various embodiments, one or more power units are configured to enterpower saving mode, wherein the one or more power units discharge lesspower and the meter disables some electronic components after a presetidle time.

In other embodiments, the housing of the device includes one or moresolar panels configured to charge one or more rechargeable batteries.

Methods for Meter Upgrades Using Device

Described herein, in certain embodiments, are methods of upgrading ameter comprising: affixing a device to a pole supporting an existingmeter; provided that the device comprises: a housing defining aninterior; a sensor within the interior of the housing, the sensorconfigured to collect environmental information pertaining to the localexternal environment of the exiting meter; a wireless radio within theinterior of the housing, the wireless radio configured to transmit theenvironmental information to the exiting meter or to a remote server incommunication with the exiting meter; an RF reader within the interiorof the housing, the RF reader configured to receive a meteridentification from a wireless tag associated with the existing meter,the wireless radio further configured to transmit the meteridentification in association with the environmental information; and apower unit within the interior of the housing, the power unit supplyingpower to the sensor, the wireless radio, and the RF reader; whereby themeter is upgraded (e.g., retrofit to confer vehicle detectioncapability). In some embodiments, the existing meter is not altered orreplaced. In other embodiments, the existing meter is a parking meter,the sensor is a vehicle sensor, and the environmental informationcomprises the presence of a vehicle in a parking space associated withthe existing meter. In further embodiments, the sensor is a radar.

The meter upgrade methods described herein generate minimal waste,reduce material and labor costs, and can be complete more quickly thancurrent methods. Importantly, the meter upgrade methods described hereinallow convenient operation by simply attach a device of the presentinvention to the pole of an existing parking meter. The exact locationof the attachment varies according to factors such as the original setupof the existing meter and the orientation of the pole to the associatedparking space. While upgrading an existing meter, the device of thepresent invention can be placed above, below or on the side of anexisting meter depending on the location and conditions of the pole, andthe configurations of the existing meter.

Applications Enabled by Upgraded Device Housings

The meters upgraded with the device described in the present inventionare optionally used for multiple applications, as described herein. Incertain embodiments, the housings of the device described hereincomprise a payment accepting unit which is positioned within thehousing. In further embodiments, a meter retrofitted with the device canaccept payment, in various forms, e.g., Credit Cards, Debit Cards, SmartParking Cards, Proximity Cards (Paywave™, PaypassCash™) NFC Solutionssuch as Google Wallet™, bills, or coins, via the payment accepting unitof the housing. In particular embodiments, the devices described hereincomprise a wireless payment accepting unit which is positioned on oneside of the housing. In further embodiments, the wireless paymentaccepting unit enables a meter retrofitted with the housing of thedevice to accept payment via Proximity Cards (Paywave™, PaypassCash™) orNFC Solutions such as Google Wallet™. In still further embodiments, asensor affixed to the housing of the device detects the arrival of auser towards the device or the arrival of a vehicle in a parking spaceassociated with the meter and communicates the event to the meter deviceor the existing parking meter. In some embodiments, this eventinformation is used to power-up the payment accepting unit (which hadbeen powered-down to conserve energy), activate the payment acceptingunit, or allow the payment accepting unit to anticipate or prepare foracceptance of payment.

In certain embodiments, the power unit affixed to the housing of thedevice can be in an off-mode in the absence of any vehicle presence inthe parking space(s) associated with the meter. The power unit isoptionally turned on, only upon detection, by the sensor affixed to thedevice, of vehicle presence in the parking space(s) associated with themeter. This results in reduction of energy costs associated withoperating the meter. In certain embodiments, the meters rapidly switchon upon detection of vehicle presence by the sensors, and are ready forcarrying out payment transactions even before the vehicle driver walksup to the meter.

In some embodiments, the sensor affixed to the housing of the device ofthe parking meter, communicates the information regarding the departureof the vehicle to the meter device or the existing meter and thisresults in immediate resetting of paid time. In further embodiments, thesensor affixed to the housing of the device of the parking meter,communicates through wireless radio, which in turn transmits theinformation to the wireless tag affixed to the parking meter, and thisresults in the update of the display screen of the parking meter and/orthe device. Thus, the parking meters describe herein is optionally usedto avoid overlap of paid time between successive vehicles occupying thesame parking space. This enables collection of increased and accuraterevenue from the parking meters of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the vehicle presence information, within theparking space(s) associated with the parking meter, can be collected bythe sensor and transmitted, via the wireless radio transmitter (alongwith location identification information stored in an RF tag associatedwith the parking meter), to one or more remote servers, a cluster ofservers, or cloud computing system. The types of information transmittedto the server can include, for example, average length of time duringwhich the parking space(s) is/are occupied and paid for, average lengthof time during which the parking space(s) is/are unoccupied and not paidfor, days of the week with maximum occupancy and/or vehicle presence inthe parking space(s), or times of the day with maximum occupancy and/orvehicle presence in the parking space(s). The information stored at theserver is optionally utilized to model the vehicle flux trends withinthe local environment of the parking meter, and fix parking rates and/ortime limits for parking to precisely meet the needs of the localenvironment.

EXAMPLES

The following illustrative examples are representative of embodiments ofthe software applications, systems, and methods described herein and arenot meant to be limiting in any way.

Example 1—Installing the Device

A city maintenance technician performs his duties, which include drivingaround town and upgrading parking meters. He loads his vehicle withdevices and a toolbox. When he approaches an outdated meter, he does notneed to perform any major upgrades to infrastructure, such as drilling,underground wiring, road work, and the like. As such, he does not needany advanced or heavy tools, such as an industrial hammer drill.Instead, the technician uses his simple tools, for instance ascrewdriver and a wrench, to attach the device to the pole of anexisting parking meter. The entire process for replacing the housing ofthe device may require less than 10 minutes for completion. Thetechnician then moves to the next parking meter.

Example 2—Installing Only a Portion of the Device

Technician from Example 1 is performing the same duties, except thistime he is only replacing a portion of the device already installed ontothe pole. The portion of the device contains upgraded parts beyond thoseprovided in the housing of the device detailed in Example 1, includingupgraded sensors, an RFID tag reader, a self-contained power supply, anda dedicated wireless radio. The self-sufficient portion of the device isinstalled onto the pole. The technician, using the same simple tools,such as a screwdriver and a wrench, disengages and removes a portion ofthe device and then replaces and engages the upgraded portion of thedevice, thereby completing an upgrade of the device. The technician doesnot need to remove the entire device to complete the upgrade, andthereby he does not need to tamper with the parts within the device thatare not designed to be upgraded frequently. The process for upgradingthe device similarly takes less than 10 minutes.

Example 3—RFID Start-Up Procedures

After technician upgrades a meter with the device or an upgraded portionfor an already installed device, technician restarts the meter. Theelectronic components or the upgraded electronic components in thehousing of the device scan the meter RFID tag and determine if thatmeter location is configured to have a sensor. If the meter isconfigured to have a sensor in that location, the device or the upgradedportion of the device will use either the meter's wireless radio or itsown dedicated wireless radio to download a binding code from a remotemanagement system. The binding code configures the meter, upgradedcomponents, and sensors. The meter wirelessly connects to the newsensors. The meter display is reset, updated, and refreshed. The newmeter is now ready for use.

Example 4—Environmental Pollution Sensor Network Through Parking Meters

Some devices or upgraded portions of devices already installed containvarious sensors capable of collecting environmental information.Technician upgrades meters around the city with sensors capable ofdetecting pollution, for instance carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.The upgraded parking meters configure themselves as described in Example3, and the meters begin to collect pollution information. The meterstransmit this data to a remote server, which upgrades the database withthe pollution information. Because meters throughout the entire city areupgraded with pollution sensors, the remote server database builds apollution map of the city.

Example 5—Waking a Meter from Power Saving Mode and Priming PaymentMethods

After a preset idle time, a parking meter enters a power saving mode. Acar pulls into a parking space managed by the parking meter. The sensorsof the meter detect the presence of a vehicle and wake the meter frompower saving mode to restore full functionality. The meter wirelesslyretrieves a binding code and activates an integrated wireless paymentreceiver. The payment receiver is configured to accept payment through avariety of sources, for instance Apple Pay®, and is primed when themeter detects the presence of a newly-parked vehicle. The display screenis also updated upon retrieval of the binding code, allowing a user toeasily pay after parking the vehicle.

Example 6—Meter Communication with City Personnel

A parking enforcement officer patrols the city hoping to hand outparking citations to meet her monthly quota. She carries a personalmeter scanning device. As she approaches a parking meter, the meter'ssensors detect the scanning device, and wirelessly connect to the remotemanagement system to configure the meter to wirelessly transmitenvironmental information to the scanning device. The officer receivesrelevant environmental information in assisting her to issue parkingcitations, including meter identification, meter location, vehicleidentification, license plate information, vehicle registrationinformation, citation history, data indicating issuance of a citation,and data related to the type of citation issued.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for upgrading an existing meter by retrofit, the device comprising: a) a sensor device housing configured to physically mount to a pole supporting the existing meter to upgrade the existing meter without mechanically altering or replacing the existing meter, the existing meter comprising a meter housing comprising a wireless tag, the sensor device housing defining an interior; b) a sensor within the interior of the sensor device housing, the sensor configured to collect environmental information pertaining to a local external environment of the existing meter; c) a wireless tag reader within the interior of the sensor device housing, the wireless tag reader configured to read the wireless tag to obtain an identifier associated with a unique physical location; d) a wireless radio within the interior of the sensor device housing, the wireless radio configured to transmit the environmental information to the existing meter or to a remote server in communication with the existing meter and to transmit the identifier to the remote server to obtain configuration information; and e) a power unit within the interior of the sensor device housing, the power unit supplying power to the sensor, the wireless tag reader, and the wireless radio; wherein the device is configured to retrofit the existing meter by physically mounting to the pole and transmitting the environmental information to the existing meter or to the remote server in communication with the existing meter.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the existing meter is a parking meter and the sensor is a vehicle sensor.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the parking meter is a single space parking meter or a multi-space parking meter.
 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the environmental information comprises the presence of a vehicle in a parking space associated with the existing meter.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a radar and wherein the sensor device housing comprises a material that is at least partially radar transparent.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless radio utilizes ISM-band, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless tag reader is an RF reader, and wherein the identifier comprises a meter identification associated with the existing meter.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the wireless radio is further configured to transmit the meter identification in association with the environmental information.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operationally self-sufficient, the sensor, the wireless tag reader, the wireless radio, and the power unit being not electrically connected to the existing meter.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensors within the interior of the sensor device housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is a camera.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the power unit comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
 12. The device of claim 11, further comprising at least one solar cell to recharge the at least one rechargeable battery.
 13. The device of claim 1, comprising a plurality of sensors within the interior of the sensor device housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is a weather sensor, a seismic sensor, a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, or a combination thereof.
 14. A meter comprising: a) a pole; b) an existing meter device supported by the pole, the existing meter comprising a meter housing comprising a wireless tag; c) a device for upgrading the existing meter device by retrofit, the device comprising a sensor device housing defining an interior, the device configured to physically mount to the pole, to upgrade the existing meter without mechanically altering or replacing the existing meter; d) a sensor within the interior of the sensor device housing, the sensor configured to collect environmental information pertaining to a local external environment of the meter; e) a wireless tag reader within the interior of the sensor device housing, the wireless tag reader configured to read the wireless tag to obtain an identifier associated with a unique physical location; f) a wireless radio within the interior of the sensor device housing, the wireless radio configured to transmit the environmental information to the meter device or to a remote server in communication with the meter device and to transmit the identifier to the remote server to obtain configuration information; and g) a power unit within the interior of the sensor device housing, the power unit supplying power to the sensor, the wireless tag reader, and the wireless radio wherein the device is configured to retrofit the existing meter by physically mounting to the pole and transmitting the environmental information to the existing meter or to the remote server in communication with existing meter.
 15. The meter of claim 14, wherein the meter is a parking meter and the sensor is a vehicle sensor.
 16. The meter of claim 15, wherein the parking meter is a single space parking meter or a multi-space parking meter.
 17. The meter of claim 15, wherein the environmental information comprises the presence of a vehicle in a parking space associated with the parking meter.
 18. The meter of claim 15, wherein the sensor is a radar and wherein the sensor device housing comprises a material that is at least partially radar transparent.
 19. The meter of claim 14, wherein the wireless radio utilizes ISM-band, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or ZigBee.
 20. The meter of claim 14, wherein the wireless tag reader is an RF reader, and wherein the identifier comprises a meter identification associated with the exiting meter.
 21. The meter of claim 20, wherein the wireless radio is further configured to transmit the meter identification in association with the environmental information.
 22. The meter of claim 14, wherein the device is operationally self-sufficient, the sensor, the wireless tag reader, the wireless radio, and the power unit being not electrically connected to the meter device.
 23. The meter of claim 14, comprising a plurality of sensors within the interior of the sensor device housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is a camera.
 24. The meter of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of sensors within the interior of the sensor device housing, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is a weather sensor, a seismic sensor, a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, or a combination thereof.
 25. The meter of claim 14, wherein the power unit comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
 26. The meter of claim 25, further comprising at least one solar cell to recharge the at least one rechargeable battery.
 27. A method of upgrading a meter comprising: physically affixing a device for upgrading an existing meter by retrofit to a pole supporting the existing meter comprising a meter housing comprising a wireless tag; provided that the device comprises: a sensor device housing defining an interior; a sensor within the interior of the sensor device housing, the sensor configured to collect environmental information pertaining to a local external environment of the existing meter; a wireless tag reader within the interior of the sensor device housing, the wireless tag reader configured to read the wireless tag to obtain an identifier associated with a unique physical location; a wireless radio within the interior of the sensor device housing, the wireless radio configured to transmit the environmental information to the existing meter or to a remote server in communication with the existing meter and to transmit the identifier to the remote server to obtain configuration information; and a power unit within the interior of the sensor device housing, the power unit supplying power to the sensor, the wireless radio, and the wireless reader; wherein the existing meter is not mechanically altered or replaced; whereby the meter is upgraded to collect and transmit the environmental information.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the existing meter is a parking meter, the sensor is a vehicle sensor, and the environmental information comprises the presence of a vehicle in a parking space associated with the existing meter.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the sensor is a radar. 